Upcoming Events
Sep
13
Services provided by
Ottawa Funeral HomeRobert Pobanz Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Robert was born on January 12 th , 1950, to Otto and Josephine (Lewis) Pobanz, in Morris, IL. He was an Army Veteran, serving from 1968 to 1971 and fought in the Vietnam War. He attended Governors State University and received his Bachelor's degree in 1995, which he was extremely proud of. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1994. He worked for IDES for 13 years in the Joliet and Ottawa offices, before retiring.
He is survived by his wife Linda (Godwin) Pobanz, nephew Joe (Elaine) Pobanz, stepdaughter Hollie (Angel) Ramos, granddaughter Dariyn Fergus, Sister Patsy Clemente, brother-in-law Craig (Barb) Godwin, along with many nieces, nephews, loyal friends and extended family members. He was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful Uncle and stepfather and a fantastic grandfather.
Robert was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, squirrel and dove hunting with his good friend Will and working with his hands. We are pretty sure there isn't a tool he doesn't own. Anyone that knew him knew he always had a story to tell. He loved to sit and talk about growing up in the country in Southern IL, and southern style food was his favorite. A plate of fried chicken with mashed potatoes or a bowl of biscuits and gravy were always welcome at his table.
He never knew a stranger and would sit and talk to anyone with an ear. His personality was infectious and larger than life. If you lost him in a crowd, all you had to do was search for the veteran hat, perched on the top of his head. He was extremely proud of his military service and he will be forever missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Otto Pobanz, Bruce Pobanz and sisters Joan (Pobanz) Neven, Janet (Pobanz) Blankly, Erna Jean (Pobanz) Hexdall.
Private inurnment with military honors will be held on September 12,, 2025 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Ottawa VFW
For additional information 815/433-0300 or www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Audrey Rekitzke
5 hours ago
"We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give." (Winston Churchill)
Uncle Bob, you made a life by what you so freely gave. Kindness, love, a helping hand, advice an older brother would give and so much more. On Sunday you told me "Don´t you give up on me." I did not. I will not. Your kindness, love and advice only an Uncle can give, is locked away in that special place in my heart that belongs only to my you. I was honored and blessed to have you as an Uncle. With Love Always, Audrey
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home
August 19, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
1111 La Salle Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
Make a Donation
in Robert Pobanz's name
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Pobanz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Upcoming Events
Sep
13
Services provided by
Ottawa Funeral Home